Performing a Full Neurological Assessment

Contact Hours: 1.5

Author(s):

Cheryl Carlin MSN, RN, CNE

Course Overview

Assessment is a key component of nursing care. It not only informs the nurse of changes to the patient’s condition but also allows the nurse to evaluate if interventions have been effective. When working with patients who have suffered injury or impairment to the neurological system, a complex neurological assessment is often needed to guide care. The purpose of this course is to provide guidance for nurses who are performing neurological assessments. We will identify the components of a neurological exam, discuss how the exam should be performed, and explore both normal and abnormal findings that may be seen.

Course Outline

  1. Introduction
  2. What are the Components of the Nervous System?
  3. The Components of a Comprehensive Neurological Assessment
  4. Components of the Nervous System: Motor Function
  5. Components of the Nervous System: Sensory Function
  6. Components of the Nervous System: Cerebellar Function
  7. Comprehensive Neurological Assessment: Cranial Nerves
  8. Comprehensive Neurological Assessment: Reflexes
  9. Conclusion

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, the learner will rate 4 out of 5 on the Likert Scale for their ability to:

  1. Identify components of a comprehensive neurological assessment.
  2. Discuss the rationales for why a comprehensive neurological assessment should be performed.
  3. Distinguish between normal and abnormal findings in a neurological assessment.

Accreditations and Approvals

CE Credit Logo
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) (P0614)
  • California Board of Registered Nursing (CEP 17418)
  • Kentucky Board of Nursing (7-0090)
  • Louisiana State Board of Nursing (58)
  • Florida Board of Nursing (50-23983)
  • Delaware Board of Nursing (DE-24-010127)
  • Alabama Board of Nursing (#ABNP1577)
  • Iowa Board of Nursing (#393)
  • Kansas Board of Nursing (LT0340-0325)

Approved by the Board of Nursing in every state, you can complete your RN, LVN, and APRN CEUs with confidence.

Accreditation Statement

Nursing CE Central LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

It will take the average learner 90 minutes to complete and awards 1.5 contact hours of continuing education.

Written For

  • Registered Nurses (RN)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN)

Requirements for Completion

  1. Enrollment in the course by the learner
  2. Read and learn all course materials
  3. Complete the course evaluation
  4. Attest and testify learning of the course materials

Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships

Nursing CE Central nor any of the authors, planners, content experts, or any contributors have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.